Lynne Arriale
Convergence
Motema Music
www.motema.com
By George W. Harris

Lynne Arriale is one of the few artists who is successfully trying some new things with the piano. She put out a couple of “live” trio cds and dvds awhile back, and they were pretty impressive. This one, which has her with her team of Omer Avital/b and Anthony Pinciotti/dr, also includes tenor saxist Bill McHenry on a few of the tracks, making the team a bit more Coltrane-modalish on tunes like “Elements,” and a ringer, the punk rock tune “Call Me.” The winning ticket, however, is what she and her trio do with Boomer pop hits like “Here Comes The Sun” and “Paint It Black.” These British Invasion hits are hit with an intriguing prism, drawing out new colors and hues in a fascinating way. Moods wax and wane her, as well as on her own “Here and Now,” showing that not everyone needs to sound like Hancock, Evans or Tyner to make a statement on the ivories. Very impressive!